Dubai: Motorists are expected to face traffic jams due to the closure of the fast lane on both sides of Shaikh Zayed Road to allow for construction of a base for a pedestrian bridge.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said the closure of the fast lanes between the World Trade Centre Roundabout and the First Interchange on Shaikh Zayed Road will start from 1am on Thursday, February 14 until 5am on Sunday, February 17.

Maitha Obaid Bin Udai, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, stated that the closure will only affect the fast track [extreme left lane] on both directions of Shaikh Zayed Road in the sector between the Defence Interchange and the World Trade Centre Roundabout, while traffic flow on other lanes will continue as usual.

Maitha called upon road users to exercise extreme caution while passing through the area. She explained that all required arrangements and procedures are in place to ensure smooth traffic flow on the road, as well as safe transit on other lanes. She called upon road users to abide by the speed limits, adhere to the guidelines displayed at traffic signs in the area, and use alternative roads to ease congestion during the lane closures.

“This lane closure is dictated by the need to construct an overhead pedestrian bridge in the median of this vital road so as to enhance the safety of pedestrians and save them from accidents.

“Such accidents, taking place at highways like Shaikh Zayed Road, are fatal in most cases since pedestrians tend to cross such roads from places other than those specified for this purpose,” she said.

Maitha said the RTA assigns paramount importance to the safety of pedestrians and road users and is making substantial efforts to take all actions required for their safety.